Committed to Idaho’s Wild Places

No, I have not been kidnapped by nuclear industry fanaticos as a result of my last post (Although that would be exciting and then I could really give them a piece of my mind).

As the Convention has passed, life has accelerated, and I needed a quick inhale before posting more. Really, I just needed to get out into the wild and experience what I love about being an Idahoan–the wild places that remind me I am a sentient being. My passions come from my experiences and my committment to environmentalism is a result of growing up with a deep appreciation for nature honed by wild adventures with my parents, siblings and friends. While spending time this weekend on the Upper-Boise River I was able to reflect on two key points:

1) Thank you Idaho Families for Clean Water, the Idaho Conservation League, and Idaho Rivers United, the Boise City Council and Mayor Bieter for all the work you have done to prevent the cyanide heap-leach mine from being built at our headwaters. The battle is not over, but already these groups have delayed and changed the plans for this mine and the City of Boise passed a resolution of opposition that sent a clear message to the Canadian based “Atlanta Gold” that we are uninterested in their terrible proposal.

2) One of my favorite parts of the Convention was when we struggled over language in our platform to acknowledge the Democrat’s comittment to preserving and protecting Idaho’s wild places. At first we had language in place that referenced “historic access” to public lands. When it was pointed out by roadless activists that this language was being used to enable new access, on old roads, by motorized vehicles, we were able to pro-actively innovate our terms and escape this pitfall that could have damaged these activists work.

While sitting by the River this weekend my serenity was often broken by the hum of four-wheelers actually driving in the river (And watching the fitting punishment of getting stuck–even though we were all punished by it, and the river bank was terribly damaged by the spinning wheels, not to mention the excessive fuel pollution that definately violated a critical Leave No Trace ethic, which is standard on wild rivers). While we all have a right to enjoy the outdoors as we choose, it is essential that how we choose to do so does not harm the integrity of our beautiful waterways, or magnificent trails. Now, more than ever, that commitment in our platform can help shift the frame to prevent this kind of abuse. There is still a lot of work to do to prove our commitment to Idaho’s Wild Places, but we all know it is worth the work.

Keep The Democratic Beat

The Convention is simmering in my daily experience. I remembered last night, after attending my weekly African Dance Class filled with the music of live drumming, that I had still not written of one of my favorite moments of the Convention. At the time that this aspect of the entire event occurred, I tried desperately to blog AS IT HAPPENED I have found this is an often felt impulse of mine now that I blog regularly: I want to have immediate response blogging. This time, I was unable to get an internet connection in the Convention hall. In retrospect, that was a good thing.

I had not known the term “Color Guard” before the official opening of the State Democratic Party Convention on Friday. I do consider myself a lover of this country. I have resisted, most of my life, patriotic public displays of this love. Mostly, that has been a reactive response to “authority” insisting on my patriotism. More recently, that has been a deliberate transgression, not in opposition to the fabric of the nation, the people of the nation, the soldiers of the nation. No, a deliberate resistance to the leadership of this nation, a conscious effort to resist allegiance to a government whose policies are no where near in-line with my idea of what it means to be an American. Those displays must be authentic for me, they should come from the heart.

While yesterday I critiqued our environmental actions at the Convention, today I want to praise the inclusion, the focus, and the recognition of the origins of this country by the Democrats in this state through the ceremonial and moving Color Guard by our Native American Tribes carrying not only the flag of the United States, but also the flags of Idaho’s native peoples. It made me proud to be a Democrat to feel the beat of the drum, hear the sound of a chant, and pay respect to those who know this land through a direct and deep ancestral connection. My body moves with insistance and without hesitation to drumming and I realized during our opening ceremony that through this beat, all of us were connected. Our hearts were allowed to sync in rhythm with each other and the common thump of the drum was more than a metaphor for this connection. The drum enables that connection. We are Democrats and it is o.k. to move our bodies, to not be inhibited by the stiff social norms of proper political etiquette. This feeling was one of the safest feelings I have had in an open public political space, and for the first time my heart was compelled to partake in an authentic patriotic act. The tribute was beautiful and the effect has been lasting. Tears streamed down my face during this ceremony as I realized what it meant that our Democratic Party had achieved the ability to return to the errors of a violent past of conquest and colonialism. We had returned to heal, and in that healing we have prepared ourselves for moving towards the Hope we all feel for a new America with new leadership and new vision. We need now to keep that democratic beat and take that rhythm with us as we move towards November.

Turning Democrats Green

I am not the epitome of environmental know how.  I fail miserably, often, at not considering the environmental consequences of my actions.  But, I did notice the utter lack of accountability at the state Convention for our consumption of paper, aluminum, and plastics.  I will be the first to admit that my glossy papered campaign piece and cellophane cookie wrappers, were an entirely environmentally unconscious choice of materials.  It was this recognition, after the platform meeting ended on Friday, that led to my noticing the tremendous amount of waste we all had left behind–for “someone else to clean-up”.  Plastic bottles littered the floor of the convention room; tons of paper campaign materials were scattered on the floor and on seats; cans and trash covered the floor.  There were two main implications of this scene for me: 1) We are Democrats, we had just adopted beautifully articulated environmental policies, but we had not developed a strategy for recycling the things we used at the Convention.  2) We expected other people to clean-up after us before the Convention started the next day.  Often, those who do the cleaning are not paid incredibly well, and are also often of what has been termed the “minority”.  The class and race implications of our carelessness did not, to me, reflect the values of the party I hold dear.  So, I spent about 1 1/2 hours, with the help of two other people gathering the recyclables.  The next day, I posted on my blog a request to folks to recycle, asked the main speaker for the party to announce that we should recycle and throw our trash away, and placed plastic bags in each corner of the room for cans and bottles.  Despite the requested announcement successfully being deployed, only a few of us, starting near the end of the Convention got the bottles, cans, and papers in bags.  I do  not mean to say I am somehow better than others for instigating this action.  It is just an ingrained habit of mine to notice the need for recycling.  To the credit of the folks present, no one was critical, and everyone was appreciative.  But after filling four bags of recyclables, and picking up lots of trash, it occurred to me that we have a long way to go.  A vision of the next Convention came to me.  A Convention, where we make an effort to practice what we preach, by preparing in advance for recycling by placing bins in visible places, using biodegradable water bottles, and attempting to reduce our paper use, or only use recyclable or recycled paper.  Would it not be fabulous to attempt what many progressive events are trying by striving for a zero carbon-footprint for our Convention?!  In so doing, we would achieve the best manifestation of our Democratic politics by walking-the walk, and embodying the values of our platform.  I joked to a fellow Democrat that Democrats are pigs, not donkeys, near the end of my Saturday clean-up attempt.  In four years, maybe we will see a cleaner and greener Convention by turning the democratic process and practice green.

Democratic Politics For Dinner

On the night the Convention ended I was spinning in the experience.  The energy and momentum of a Democratic party that had sat “dormant” for so long left all of us in a euphoric state of long awaited excitement.  Please, understand, I do not mean to indicate by using the term dormant that things were not happening.  Clearly, the Idaho Democrats have been maintaining a base of committed and thoughtful leaders.  Gail Bray, Jerry Brady, Jim Hansen, John Foster, Larry LaRocco (just to name a few).  I, myself, have had democratic politics for dinner every day since I was tiny.  I thrive on being a blue girl in a red state.  The dormancy was a reason to keep hoping for the movement.  A body at rest tends to stay at rest.  A body in motion tends to stay in motion.  Well, we have started moving so watch out!

So after the Convention, I went to the Albertsons I have gone to since I was a little girl.  I gathered a few items for my dinner and got in line.  A very cool thing happened.  Noticing my credentials, red white and blue and Obama pin, the man in front of me in line asked if there had been an Obama rally.  I explained that I had come from the State Democratic Convention and that it was awesome.  He started talking about how great Obama is and how finally our country might have a chance.  Then the guy behind me chimed in about what a joke the other party is.  He said he couldn’t believe they could keep a straight face when they asserted Obama was a tax and spend liberal after the way they had handled the economy.  Incredible, I thought, it is like the Convention energy has followed me and now the buzz is affecting even the people in this grocery line.  I encouraged their enthusiasm for a new politics in Idaho, and shared that I had heard the R’s were eating their own in N. Idaho.  ”Yeah, maybe the tide is changing” the guy behind me said.  ”It is” I affirmed.  Then it happened, out of nowhere and without warning I shouted at the top of my lungs: “I’M A DEMOCRAT AND I AM NOT AFRAID ANYMORE!!”  Pause, awkward silence throughout the store.  Then I started laughing, the guy behind me laughed, and the check-out clerk smiled broadly.  ”That felt good!” I said, as I packed up my grocery items–now transformed into truly Democratic politics for dinner.

Tribute to Tim Russert

I would be remiss to not acknowledge the passing of Tim Russert on this blog. Anyone reading this likely knows that Tim Russert was the long-time host of Meet The Press. His Sunday morning coverage of politics, especially during this primary season, was a staple in my house. (Much to the frustration of my children who wanted to watch cartoons and instead joined me in front of the T.V. to hear political analysis from the experts).

A huge sorrow was felt in the Convention room on Friday when Keith Roark announced that Russert had died, in the NBC Newsroom, of a heart attack at age 58. Roark, himself, seemed to choke back tears amid the gasps and cries of shock and sadness. We Democrats know how critical journalists like Russert are to at least shifting the balance on the excessive spin which is far too prevalent in the media right now. This loss is tragic and we can only hope that his work will inspire new journalists to attempt to fill his shoes and achieve his standards.

These Folks Will Go to Denver

The dust is beginning to settle in the big ballroom at the Doubletree Hotel in Garden City.  My night of rest after the Convention was full of dreams of policy wrangling and the hum of an overflowing Convention room. What a tremendous experience it was.  The most extraordinary part of the weekend, for me, was listening to the delegate speeches for CD2 Delegate’s on Saturday morning.  Every single speech was heartfelt and exceptionally well communicated.  Person, after person shared their passion and devotion for the Democratic party and the nomination of our future President Barack Obama.  The work of every individual during the primary season was incredible to learn of.  Many people zig-zagged across the nation either by phone or in person to support Obama in Texas, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania.   Some folks were simply passionate partakers in the primary–inspired by Obama, their lives were changed.  I fit in this category.  My near obsession with presidential politics has been all encompassing since January.  Posting signs in my car, talking about Obama to anyone that would listen, structuring my day around hearing the candidates debate or speak, writing continually about what I saw, teaching my children to chant for Obama. I have given what I can to this experience (and am compelled to find new ways to give for the General Election) and the State Convention was a beautiful culmination of this phase of my energy.  Alas, I will not be going to Denver.  Although I was offered lots of support by both my District Delegate’s and at large, the numbers were not enough to elect me as delegate.  However, we did elect an exceptional group of dedicated people.  That was what was most reassuring about the speeches–I knew, no matter what, whoever went, I would be satisfied because every single person did deserve to go and will represent Idaho well. 

Here is the list of delegates:

SUPERDELEGATES: 

1. Keith Roark, Hailey, Attorney, IDP Chairman and Delegation Chairman
2. Jeanne Buell, St. Maries, Businesswoman, IDP Vice Chairwoman
3. Grant Burgoyne, Boise, Attorney, National Committeeman
4. Gail Bray, Boise, Law Office, National Committeewoman
5. Richard Stallings, Pocatello, Professor and past IDP state chairman

ELECTED DELEGATES

CD1 Obama: 
6. Richard Hill II, Moscow, graduate student of neuroscience,
African-American
7. Estella O Zamora, Canyon County, Interpreter, Latina
8. T.J. Thompson, Boise, internal auditor, Idaho Power
9. Maj StormoGipson, Coeur dAlene, Pediatrician
10. Kassie Cerami, Boise, Obama for America, Native American/White

CD2 Obama
11. James A. Fletcher, Pocatello, Vice President of Finance and
Administration, African-American
12. Frances J. Jones, Boise, counselor, African-American
13. Rebecca A.B. Suits, Boise, philanthropist/business owner,
African-American
14. Steven Mercado, Twin Falls, student, multi-racial
15. Debu Majundar, Idaho Falls, Physicist, East Indian/Calcutta

CD1 Clinton
16. Ryan Robinson, Coeur d’Alene, Student, LGBT
CD2 Clinton
17. Jeanette Wolfley, Pocatello, Attorney, Native-American/Shoshone-Bannock
Tribes)

PLEOs (Pledged Elected Officials)
18. Rep. Nicole LeFavour, State Legislator, Boise, LGBT
19. Mayor Dave Bieter, Boise

AT-LARGE DELEGATES
20. Albert Wilkerson (additional information pending)
21. Matt Kopydowski (additional information pending)
22. Megan Nagel (additional information pending)
23. Paulette Jordon (additional information pending)

From all delegations, but CD2 in particular, we elected without any affirmative action imperative, an incredibly diverse delegation. That is so impressive to me, and so perfectly in line with what Obama represents for America. I would argue that, unlike we ended up saying in our platform, it is still critical to recognize racial difference. It may be suitable to say, “We recognize there is one race the, the human race” as a way of acknowledging implicit equality, but it seems too, that such an assertion, leaves little room for the acknowledgement of the history of racism and exclusion that is still being processed by particular racial groups. I think we should attempt to celebrate difference within our commonality, and the delegates we are sending certainly create an opportunity for just such a celebration. Go Idaho! We are diverse, and we value that diversity. It made me proud to be from Idaho to see who we chose to embody our state in Denver.

I have decided to attempt to continue this blog as a venue for general election banter. I intend to post my writings about the race on this blog. I may also attempt to link in to statewide political blogs like 43rd State Blues and Red State Rebels. I will also plan to write about local races. I worked for Senator Kelly and Senator Werk as their Assistant in the legislature this last session, and will plan to post about them and their tremendous professionalism and dedication here. Representative Sue Chew is a friend and role-model for me, and I am a (future) constituent of Brian Cronin who is running for a House seat in District 19 and and Representative Nicole Le Favour, who is running for Senate in 19. I plan to write about each of these individuals and their tremendous promise and potential for changing the power matrix in the Idaho Legislature.
Please stay tuned and let me know of other areas of interest you would like to see here. Again, I see my writing as a political act–plus it is just plain fun, and I vow to continue on as we move to November and the next step in a new and transformed American political landscape.

IDAHOANS FOR OBAMA IDAHOANS FOR A TRANSFORMED AMERICA

My commitment to Obama is solidified everytime I hear him speak at the end of a primary night. I usually listen on the radio since we only get network T.V. And this is what I “see.” I see a leader not pointing his finger to himself or at his opponent, I “see” A Leader opening his arms to the people. I hear him tell me, that I can make a difference, and for the first time in my “political” memory my desire for leadership, my understanding of democracy, my belief in this country is realized. We have been waiting a long time for President Barack Obama. Almost too long. The time is now to seize this moment and to embrace the potential available for a transformation of our politics. For a shift in this new millenium from a politics of fear, and destruction to a politics of hope and collaboration.

I have not shared too much about myself at this convention. Just my enthusiasm, an effort to affect environmental policy, and lots of fun conversations. Today, there is something new I want to share. I am a feminist. Really, so many of us, no matter our “sex” are feminists. But, I am a trained feminist. I actually went to graduate school to get a degree in Women’s and Gender Studies. Yeah, the job search was real hard here in Idaho.

I tell you this because it is time to share a unique quality that makes me a good choice for Delegate to the National Convention. My feminism is about perspective, inclusiveness, speaking for the marginalized, promoting equality in all areas of difference, and finding ways to collaborate to affect change. It became clear to me early in this season’s primary campaign that Barack Obama, despite many media claims to the contrary was indeed the FEMINIST CANDIDATE. The choice between a black man and a woman was always a false dichotomy to me. Using a feminist perspective Barack Obama has REPRESENTED THE BEST OF OUR FEMINIST DREAMS. He asks us to act, he speaks to the marginalized, he moves from self-interested big business driven by monetary gain, to the interest of the country as a whole and in so doing he fulfills my feminist and American dreams.

At the Convention in Denver I intend to bridge this gap of perception, not the irreprable divide, but the gap created in our party in this primary race. I intend to represent Idaho, and following the lead of Barack Obama, work to build bridges, form collaborations, and speak to the hopes and dreams we, Idahoans, from the reddest state in the nation, have for a new America with President Obama.

I dyed my hair red for this convention. Blue Girl–Red Hair. This was symbolic for me. Although I have the blue girl red sate concept deeply connected to my political identity, I have been so inspired by Senator Obama’s message that we are not divided into colored states, in this political moment we have the opportunity to be interconnected in a common vision of hope for the future. I tried to embody this message for our state convention–and by the way I have loved this experience in itself. I want to go to Denver and embody further the determination of all Idahoan’s for a transformed America. The beauty, and sometimes frustration of our political system is the disconnect that happens in elected representation. For this reason it is critical that we formulate our politics around the ability to become the “whole”. While we are all unique, with different histories, and we all have certainly contributed in varied ways to this campaign, what has struck me about this experience is our unified commitment to change and our strong optimism around Barack Obama. I feel confident I can carry this optimism to Denver, I feel in my heart I can represent Idahoans at this convention, and I ask for your vote to send me their on your behalf.

Mind Your Obama Mama

This is a salute to the many “Obama Mamas” out there.  So many women connect through Obama to their mothering, and their mothers.  A sense, that actually, this person makes sense.  Our best feminist instincts lead us to the articulation of this vision.  Hope, Yes We Can, and this paradigm fits with our mothering.

In my house the children have been dragged dripping wet out of the bathtub, folded in towels in front of the radio, being told, “Listen, its Obama…this is important…” And they do.  In my house too, the entertainment is often found in simultaneous chanting and responding to, “I WANNA!”…”OBAMA!”  We all love it.  Canyon prefers O-BA-MA O-BA-MA rhythmically.

My mother made the Oatbama Cookies.  You could also call them Obamameal cookies.  She was a delegate in ‘72 to Miami.  There is a story in my family about how when my sister heard her father and mother talking about going to Miami, she asked “Whose ami is it, yours or daddy’s?”  So I’ve heard about the convention over and over again since I was born.

The reality is too that I love participating in democracy.  I thought today’s convention was exemplary for its commitment to the vital democratic process, and also a real good example of how people will work till they are exhausted and just a little “punchy” but still reamain determined to get it done!  It was a great rule-making process on the floor.  And even though we had to negotiate and confront each other, we all were committed with good intentions and that was indeed, impressive. Great language was added to the platform using descriptive and meaningful terms to affect the inclusion of sexual difference and orientation based on  multiple gendered bodies without hesitation and in equal measure. Excellent work was done in the environment section in varied ways.  Including, language around sustainability and a diverse energy matrix with priority given to Idaho’s abundant renewable  resources.  Wait.  We didn’t quite say it like that…maybe tomorrow? (Common Groan).  But really, especially the young democrats,came up with wonderful ways of recognizing efficiency and sustainability. Some real good language was struck down by the crowd when Steve went.  And he was right to recognize economic benefits.  That is major “fuel” in policy, and we do care about the economy right? It is really strategic language he proposed. 

We did good work.  But ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, equally, undetermined by a coin toss of tails!  Lets pick up after ourselves better tomorrow.  Lets recycle our plastic containers and cans.  Lets throw our trash in the garbage located back by the water table.  We can get bags, and in a matter of minutes, clean this place up and act responsibly.  Like Democrats do.  You know that’s what the Obama Mama in you would say is good to do!

 

 

DEDICATED DELEGATES

This post is dedicated to those delegates I refer to in about this blog.  These are folks I knew I would meet when going into this –and was excited about that.  I have genuinely been so impressed with many individuals already in this campaign.  The excitement is widespread and enthusiastically meaningful.  So, starting with the A.F.L./C.I.O. picnic at the park tonight I will describe the dedication other delegates to Barack Obama.  It is inspiring:

When you’re a delegate, especially in this year when so many people are wanting to go to Denver, it is importatnt to stick in people’s memories, to make an impression.  Of course, that is also the strategy of any political campaign–to relate to the people to learn from them and share with them.  This makes sense if you thinink about it, because those we choose to represent us should know us and it is only through interelating and sharing an idea or innovation, or creative act of expression, that clear communication and understanding can occur. 

Stacy Faulkner–I think I first remember hearing of Stacy from the other delegate hopefulls inhabiting the floor of the stadium late on a cold, February night.  They said, I think, that Stacy was amazing, that she had done so much for the campaign.  That stood out to me, because these people were clearly speaking on behalf of Stacy out of total respect.  

Tonight a lovely young lady on a bike with a basket with an Obama face on the front handed me a tube of grape flavored Barack O-Balm-A.  It read: “Healing Your Lips and the Planet Vote Stacy Faulkner CD2″.  When I got home, after enjoying the feeling of grape lipgloss, I received a message in my e-mail from Stacy.  She has worked tirelessly for the campaign, activating students and young people through inspired strategies of mobilization.  Her passion shines through in her expressions and I am thoroughly impressed by her dedication.

But even before tonight, I had the opportunity to see demonstrated the hard work and tremendous effort of Idaho Obama supporters.  Debu Majumdar called me about 2 weeks ago.  I had just put my boys down and the call was unexpected.  I soon found myself engaged in an intense conversation as Debu explained his commitment to Obama, what efforts he had made for the campaign (Debu travelled to both Texas and Montana and worked on all aspects of the get out the vote strategy in their primary/caucus elections).  He asked about my feelings and work and shared ideas and resources.  By the time I hung up I felt like I had learned something from Debu that was lasting and important.  Tonight at the picnic I sought him out first to thank him for his efforts and let him know he had made an impression on me.  Debu is running for delegate from Idaho Falls, CD2 and at large.

One more tonight and so many more to shine the spotlight on tomorrow.  I met a young man right away that I felt connected to by his intense energy and passion for Obama.  He was direct, a great listener and a clearly skilled and intelligent supporter of Obama.  Utilizing his time and words efficiently and politely to share and receive information–all with the intent of supporting the process of nominating Obama.  We bonded over the fact that we had each got to shake “HIS” hand.  We giggled and shared broad smiles at the memory of being so close to such a great being. Steve Mercado was just elected as statewide young democrats of Idaho Vice-President.  He has really been hoofing it with the Obama campaign and supporting candidates in state races as well through student organizing–which is critical to the overall health and vitality of the Party.  

What all of these folks have in common, as well as countless more that I met and have yet to meet, is that they are “True Believers.”  Not in the sense of some religious fanaticism, or irrational delusion.  No, true believers in the promise Senator Obama has opened and in the possibility of manifesting a politics of transformation.  Not based on the interest of a few dominated by profit and greed, but rather in the interest of the body politik.  The social being that is the best incarnation of our democratic origins.  They will give of themselves in the interest of a vision of hope.  A belief that yes, in fact, we can.

 

 

On the Edge of Great Opportunities

Hello Again, or Welcome for the First Time,

This is my newly formed “Obama Delegate’s Blog” and I am glad you have taken the time to visit.  The State Convention begins this week, with some events on Thursday and then the momentum picks up big-time as the convention goes full swing.  I have recently posted under the subject “Past Presidential Ponderings” a series of posts from my personal blog on the presidential race that were written over the last three months.  Hopefully, this will give you a flavor for who I am and why I would be a good choice for National Delegate. Sorry that it is so hard to read because of text size, I would recommend viewing it in RSS.

I am so excited to be establishing this platform to communicate with others passionate and focused on Barack Obama.  Now that I have the history written, I can focus more on recent events (like Hillary’s overdue concession) and on the upcoming convention.  However, that will be a bit later.  Please explore the features currently available on the site.  I would love to hear from you about what is here, but also about how you are gearing up for the convention, or your opinions on recent events. This is truly intended as a genuine delegate’s blog, for you and me, and really anyone who wants to partake in this exciting time via this new fangled medium of blogging.  I have lots of ideas for useful features to add, but please do not hesitate to suggest some additions or even changes.  Freedom of speech is grand, and I love speaking freely about how we will elect the next President of the United States: BARACK OBAMA!